What's the
first thing a boy wants when he becomes a Cub Scout? The uniform, of course. The
distinctive blue and gold uniform is undoubtedly one of the major incentives for
young boys to become Cub Scouts. It is graphic evidence that they belong, that
they are members of the world's largest boys' organization - "The Boy Scouts of
America." The uniform also does these things for a boy:

It reminds him to live up to
the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and motto - Do Your Best.

It encourages neat, correct
appearance as well as proper behavior.

It provides the only place for
proper display of his badges and awards.

It reminds him of the steps
along the Scouting trail and encourages him to continue into Boy Scouting.

Please note that individual
uniform parts may not be worn with civilian clothing, and that various other
types of Cub Scout garments are available, such as T-shirts, sweat shirts, red
patch vests, etc. These are for casual wear and are not considered part of the
official uniform.

The uniform is an important part
of the Scouting program, especially for the youngest boys just starting their
boy scout trail. It identifies the boys and adults with Tiger Cubs and gives
them a sense of belonging to the den, the pack, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouts enjoy wearing their Tiger Cub uniform. They should wear it to all den
meetings, pack meetings, and special pack activities.

The current uniform for the Tiger
Cub, introduced in August 2004, is the official blue Cub Scout shirt with
blue/orange neckerchief and neckerchief slide. This replaces the Tiger Cub
orange T-shirt with the Tiger Cub emblem on the front. The official Tiger Cub
cap and blue web belt with a Tiger Cub buckle are optional. There are also blue
socks with orange band to complete the uniform. Adult partners don't have to
wear a uniform, but it is highly recommended that they wear a Tiger Cub orange
T- shirt or sweatshirt.

The uniform for Wolf and Bear Cub
Scouts is the official blue Cub Scout shirt, Wolf or Bear neckerchief, and
slide. The official Wolf or Bear cap and blue web belt with a Cub Scout buckle
are optional.

Tip: Purchase a
short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved shirt for your wolf scout. The
short-sleeved shirts are less expensive, cooler in active play, and will not
be outgrown as fast as long-sleeved. One short-sleeved shirt should last for
the 2.5 to 3 years he'll need it.

Webelos may continue to wear their
blue Cub Scout uniforms for as long as the den chooses. Dens may chose when to
transfer to the tan uniform. After earning the Webelos Badge is a good time
because the new oval Webelos badge can be used in the same location that Boy
Scout rank badges will be placed, the tan shirt can be used in Boy Scouts, when
doing Arrow of Light activities with a Boy Scout troop the Webelos will fit in,
further distinction as the 'senior' group in the Pack, many boys are outgrowing
their blue uniforms.

Each Webelos den should learn to
work as a patrol. To help with that patrol identity, each den may choose a
patrol name, get patrol patches to replace the den numbers, create a patrol
flag, and yell.

The new tan/green Webelos hat
matches the tan uniform instead of the blue one.

If you get a belt for
the tan uniform, do not get a Boy Scout belt if you will be using any Cub
Scout belt loops. The belt widths are different and the loops will not fit.

The Purpose of Uniforms in the
BSA

Adapted from CS Leader Book

See chapter 12 for more
information

Leaders and
Youth members wear a BSA uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves
openly with the principles and aims to which we are committed - character
development, citizenship training and physical and mental fitness. The fact
that youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform doesn’t mean that we are
all alike. We come from different backgrounds, with different religious beliefs
and political views. We are each individuals, with our own family traditions
and values. The uniform is not intended to hide our individuality, but it is a
way we give each other strength and support. It is a bond that ties us together
in making visible our commitments to a belief in God, to loyalty to our country,
and to helping other people.

The Scouting
movement is built on positive values, As we wear the uniform, we are openly
identifying ourselves with those values. We stand together, not alone, in
encouraging others to live by those same values. Boys and Adults alike should
take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as intended.

Benefits for Boys –

üA uniform gives boys
a sense of belonging.

·Boys need to belong
to a group.

·Boys dress the same
and feel unity.

·Boys dress the same
and arc not categorized or judged by who is or isn't wearing designer labels and
brand-name clothes.

üA uniform gives boys
a sense of pride

·Uniforms can
strengthen unit spirit.

·Uniforms are a
reminder of the commitment to the purpose and aims of the BSA.

·Uniforms promote
advancement by providing the proper place for wearing badges and awards.

·Uniforms can attract
new members.

üA uniform encourages
proper behavior.

·Uniforms can remind
boys to live up to the Cub Scout Promise. Law of, the Pack, and Cub Scout motto.

·As boys learn to
respect the uniform and what it repre­sents. their behavior improves.

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